Until six months ago, I wouldn't say I liked TikTok because it was synonymous with my kids being glued to their devices. My son, in particular, couldn’t walk, talk or eat without doing TikTok moves. I thought the app was filled with swearing teenagers seeking attention.
Fast forward to COVID quarantine, and my perspective started to change. When my son and daughter relied on each other for entertainment during the lockdown, TikTok gave them a creative outlet to make dances, funny memes and silly videos. I can almost guarantee that when I heard them laughing uncontrollably, it was because they were doing something funny on TikTok.
This summer, we spent much time at the cottage with my nephew Matthew, who is 25, and his girlfriend Ashley, also 25. They are young professionals with full-time jobs. They are responsible and mature for their age but also incredibly hip and fun. Matthew enjoys sports, most notably golf, and Ashley enjoys cooking, fashion, beauty, and skincare. When I realized they both use TikTok, I was amazed because I couldn’t fathom them watching teenagers dancing in revealing clothing.
That’s when TikTok opened up, and I realized it was more than just dances. I had no idea middle-aged men and women from all walks of life were on TikTok. Doctors and nurses, lawyers who dance, bakers and cake decorators, professional organizers, fashion editors, dermatologists, firefighters, and teachers. The list goes on and on. There are babies, grandparents, professional athletes and dancers.
I downloaded the app and started to explore it. The app has two feeds. The first is FYP (For You Page). That is the feed that TikTok uses to serve your content. At first, mine was filled with just dances, but slowly, the app got to see what I liked and what I scrolled past. You also have the option to right-click and choose “not interested,” so it learns your interests more quickly. The second feed is FOLLOWING, and as expected, this content is from anyone you choose to follow.
I began my journey on TikTok by following my daughter and son and their friends. Then I started to branch out and now follow 145 content creators. The nice part is that you can follow and unfollow as you wish.
I also enjoy watching new trends on TikTok. One recent trend is drinking Ocean Spray juice while skateboarding and listening to Fleetwood Mac. It sounds completely random, but it makes for an incredible 15 seconds. Some of the videos end badly, with the rider falling off or being yelled at by an annoyed driver. It could be my warped sense of humour.
This summer, there was a trend where you would unexpectedly kiss your best friend for the first time. Seeing the range of reactions from excited and fully engaged in the kiss to completely appalled was so cute.
You can always expect hilarious videos from couples and parents with their children. There are too many fun trends and dances, but you won’t get bored. The exact opposite will happen. Be warned, do not download TikTok unless you’re willing to waste some extra time!
All in all, my mind about the possibilities associated with Tiktok has been expanded. The app has made me laugh when bored, and I can see why it has brought humour and fun during stressful and uncertain times. TikTok reminds me that there are “generally” good, kind people who just want to laugh and be loved.
Below is a list of some of the content creators I follow. In case you’re willing to try TikTok for some comic relief.
@GoFetch – stories about dogs
@MillieBobbyBrown – because she’s adorable and so talented
@Diaryofaweirdmom – a lovely mom who is funny and so incredibly positive
@Fortheloveofass – all about donkeys
@MonaVand – all things skincare and wellness
@nutrientmatters – great recipes
@happyhomebodies – living life on a bus with three dogs
@clayartisanjay – an artist who makes faces out of clay
@tiktokmma7 – middle-aged TikToker who has the moves
@condsty – amazing art
@sosatisfying – random things that look satisfying to do
@goldenretrieverlife – the cutest dog on Tiktok
@skinmdryan – Harvard dermatologist with excellent advice
@mmlighting – amazing houses and lighting
@alisonholkerboss and @twitchtok7 – a dancing couple
@courtneyhartmakeup – celebrity makeup artist who shares tips and tricks
@agentscandi – hairstyle tips and tricks
@mollysimms – mom hilarity